Putin has long favored taking dramatic action on historical markers and that day — which is traditionally celebrated with a massive military parade in Moscow — looms as a potential moment of escalation for the war, the Ukrainians have warned the White House.

On Thursday, defense officials in the United Kingdom seemed to echo that assessment when they noted: “Russia likely desires to demonstrate significant successes ahead of their annual 9th May Victory Day celebrations. This could affect how quickly and forcefully they attempt to conduct operations in the run-up to this date.”

The White House, however, has yet to see credible intelligence that Putin is planning to use May 9 to ramp up his assault, according to four senior administration officials not authorized to speak publicly about sensitive discussions. Though Putin’s motives are far from clear, there is a growing suspicion within President JOE BIDEN’s administration that the Russian leader may instead use the day to declare some sort of triumph around the progress made – to at least temporarily satisfy his domestic audiences and boost military morale, the officials said.